The FCC is already declining to enforce net neutrality

The easiest way to let major internet providers violate net neutrality principles is not to repeal the work done under President Barack Obama. It’s to just not enforce the rules at all.

That’s already what Ajit Pai, the new chairman of the FCC, is doing.

The FCC has ended its inquires into three “zero rating” programs, in which wireless companies let consumers visit websites and stream content without counting against data caps.

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon had each been the subject of in inquiry from the FCC into their zero-rating arrangements.

Zero rating deals can be popular among consumers, who might otherwise avoid streaming music or video for fear of eating into data plans. These agreements — which have rapidly become common between the biggest wireless companies and the biggest tech companies — have caused concern for net neutrality advocates who see them as a way for some companies to gain a major advantage over others. Read more…